Historic First Residence Hall for UMA

Opening of Student Housing at Stevens Hall Marks Historic First for University of Maine at Augusta

Students to begin moving in August 29th

The University of Maine at Augusta will open student housing this month at Stevens Hall in the historic Stevens Commons in Hallowell. This is the first time in its 54-year history that UMA has offered housing to students. The building will be occupied by 34 students and three residential life staff members.

“This is a significant event for our institution,” said UMA President Rebecca Wyke. “We will always be committed to our distance education legacy, yet today we expand our mission of accessibility by providing a housing option for our students. This initial venture of 34 beds allows us to explore housing in a thoughtful way and will be instructive in how we plan for the future.”

Move in Day is August 29 and arriving students will be greeted by Kim Kenniston, Residence Manager, who will provide student support, along with two current students serving as Community Advisors.

“Stevens Hall is a wonderfully renovated building and we are ready for the students to arrive,” stated Kim Kenniston.

Kenniston, who is originally from Hallowell, will reside at Stevens Hall leading the residence life team. She earned a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in Higher Education Counseling and has a wealth of residential life experience.

The start of the semester will find the students in Stevens Hall taking part in an outing in nearby Vaughn Woods. Additional events and community service projects organized by the residential life staff will take place throughout the semester.

“The efforts of many within UMA and our external partners have made this opportunity for housing possible,” said Sheri Fraser, UMA Dean of Students.

“This is a milestone for UMA and an extraordinary opportunity for the students who will be housed in Stevens Hall.”

Housing was available to full-time matriculated students for fall 2019 through a lottery system based on ranked variables, such newly enrolled and Community Suites including Architecture, Aviation, French tutors, out-of-state students, and athletics.

Stevens Commons is a renovated and preserved mixed-use campus, set high on a hill facing the Kennebec River. The newly renovated student apartments feature open layouts with sun-filled rooms, private bedrooms, and kitchen, dining, and bath spaces with one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites.

Additional amenities onsite for residential students include a lounge, laundry, cafe (opening spring 2020), and a fitness center. The housing is located within a short 10-minute drive of the Augusta campus and within walking distance of local retailers and restaurants.

UMA transforms the lives of students of every age and background across the State of Maine and beyond through access to high-quality distance and on-site education, excellence in student support, civic engagement, and professional and liberal arts programs.